10 Questions with ... Kiona Lewis

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Got my first taste in the inner workings of radio at Clark Atlanta University via internships at what was 95.5 The Beat in Atlanta, and the on campus Jazz station WCLK. My first job out of college was in promotions at WBLS/WLIB in NY. From there I’ve been blessed to be part of great teams at the likes of UMG, Disney ABC, Epic Records, HITCO, MRNK and now Warner Records

1. What got you into the music business?

I grew up in a music business family; My uncle, my cousins, my father, & my mother just to name a few. Just so happens I genuinely fell in love with radio/music business & developed a passion on my own. I remember going in to radio stations as young as 4 & 5 years old and have been in love with radio ever since

2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

Outside of my music passions, I’ve also always had an affinity for physics and forensic science. My two main dreams growing up consisted of either being a promotions director at a radio station or being involved in forensic science

3. The "best" coast? Why?

The best coast is the East Coast. I liked living in LA; weather was great, there was a ton of fun things to do and get involved in... but nothing beats NYC. I’m more than happy to be back!

4. Learn anything new about yourself during the pandemic?

The pandemic has been challenging in more ways than one, for many. For me specifically, I learned that I isolate pretty well. I don’t mind being in solitude which is scary in some respects but comforting to know.

5. Pick up any new hobbies or interests?

Yes, reading. I’ve never really been an avid reader, mostly because I could never really make the time. The pandemic allowed me the space and opportunity to slow down enough to pick up a few books. I even joined a book club. A lifegoal I appreciate crossing off my list of things I want to do.

6. Who are/were some of your mentors in the business?

So many to name; Big Mo, Skip Dillard, Lamonda Williams, Richard Nash, Michael Williams, Brannon Scales, Azim Rasheed, Troy Marshall, Melvin ‘A Cookin’ Jones, Sujit Kundu, Bobby O’Jay, Ken & Colleen Wilson, Tony Gray, Cynthia Johnson, Mitch Ayers, Unice Rice, of course, Mike Kelly.

7. Who, outside of the music business, inspires you personally and/or professionally?

Oprah, Michelle Obama, Beyonce, Will Smith, T.D Jakes, Zig Ziglar, Brene Brown, Gary Zukav, and Mike Wilks to name a few.

8. Has a particular artist stood out to you for their professionalism and perhaps their treatment of fans?

There isn’t any one particular artist that comes to mind right now, but there’s a level of respect I have for artists with all that they do and must endure, at times. It’s not always easy to be ‘on’ all the time, whilst being pulled in a million different directions by a multitude of people. I salute those who remain humble and respectful while pursuing their obligations and passions.

9. A lot of leisure travel has been put on the backburner during the pandemic, but do you have any "bucket list" travel destinations?

I’ve been overseas but have yet to go to Paris, France. I’m hoping I can cross that off my bucket list once time allows and health concerns dissipate a bit.

10. If you weren't in music, what do you think that you'd be doing professionally?

If I weren’t in music, I would be a forensic scientist

I'm a closeted Country music fan. Do you have a musical guilty pleasure?

I’m pretty open with my multi-faceted music tastes. I can listen to Heat Wave, Sade, Aaliyah, Shania Twain, Rage Against the Machine, Elvis Crespo, Jay Z, DMX, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar in one car ride. It’s irritating to my friends, but I like that I’m not one dimensional and have range

Saw this question posed on Facebook. Even if you were a billionaire, what cheap-ass food or drink would you still buy at the grocery store? (I'm certain I'd still buy Cup O' Noodle/Top Ramen)

You can never go wrong with the $6 rotisserie chicken from Publix, a Coke Zero and a king sized Toblerone.